1 B2 idiomatic informal
to clean, improve, or decorate something so it looks smarter and more attractive
"They spiffed up the front office before the clients arrived."
both
spiff up
B2 informal both transitive
to make someone or something look smarter, cleaner, or more attractive
In plain English
to make something look nicer and neater
What does "spiff up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
to make yourself look smarter by washing, grooming, or dressing well
"Go and spiff yourself up before dinner."
both
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to make something spiffy, or smart-looking
Actually means
to make something look nicer and neater
Usage tip
Informal and slightly old-fashioned, especially in American English. Often used for clothes, rooms, storefronts, or appearance.
Words that pair with "spiff up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
room house appearance store office outfit
How to conjugate "spiff up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spiff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spiffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
spiffed up
yesterday
Past participle
spiffed up
have + pp
-ing form
spiffing up
continuous
Hear "spiff up" in the wild
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